Portable sink

ABSTRACT

A self-contained, light weight, portable sink provides running water anywhere power is available without the need for an external or outside water supply source. The portable sink comprises a reservoir recessed within a container that houses a refillable water storage tank and an electric pump comprising tubing connecting the storage tank to a swiveling faucet mounted above the reservoir. When plugged into a power supply source such as direct current, an adapter communicates with the pump, causing water to flow into the reservoir. The water may drain through a drainage hose terminating out from the container or may remain within the reservoir with the use of a drain plug. One or more holes in the wall of the container allow a user to easily access and store the drainage tube and power plug. The container may comprise a number of useful accessories including handles for easily transporting the container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to a water-dispensing apparatus and more specifically to a portable sink.

Description of Related Art

Various sinks referred to as “portable” exist in the prior art. However, these so-called portable sinks require access to water sources such as outdoor hoses, water lines, or indoor plumbing structures that are generally difficult to access, running within walls or underground to city sources or wells. These, therefore, rely entirely upon the presence of a source of fixed water that is incapable of transport. Consequently, these are impossible to and incapable of being easily carried or moved about to provide a flow of water at other locations away from the water source.

Currently known portable sinks require either complicated or bulky set-ups that remove the potential of actual portability. Folding or permanent legs or casters add weight and size requiring significant room to transport as well as additional lengthy steps to set up before use. AC power sources are typically required to provide any water flow from some faucet sources that claim to be portable. Systems with foot or hand pumps require active powering by a user and provide no control of water output, resulting in imprecise outflow. Gravity-feed systems, require heavy water tanks to be positioned above any water basin, resulting in tall structures that necessitate parts that detach for setup. These systems also lack control of water flow and output is often inadequate. Submersible pumps are difficult to keep clean and are not a viable solution for potable water. The prior art is rife with inconvenient water dispensers or sinks that are incapable of having actual portability.

SUMMARY

There is a need for a self-contained, lightweight, easy-to-use and easy to transport water-dispensing apparatus that may be easily transported to provide for access to running water at any location regardless of a nearby water source from a natural or man-made body of water or plumbing system that pulls from a larger water supply. The self-contained portable sink apparatus described herein incorporates its own water storage tank, requiring no access to an external water source or sewage system when in use.

Below is a simplified summary of this disclosure meant to provide a basic understanding of the method(s) described herein. This is not an exhaustive overview and is not intended to identify key or critical elements or to delineate the scope of the description. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description below.

A portable sink apparatus comprises: a container comprising a top portion, a bottom portion, and an interior, the top portion comprising an opening for a receptacle; a faucet with an outlet end for dispensing water into the receptacle; a storage tank within the interior of the bottom portion of the container; and a pump in communication with the faucet and the storage tank. During operation of the apparatus to dispense water from the storage tank through the faucet and into a reservoir of the receptacle, the pump communicates with an adapter that receives power from a source external to the container. In some embodiments, the pump is in direct communication with a 12V DC adapter to receive DC power from a DC power source external to the container, such as, for example, a conventional 12 v DC cigarette lighter or socket of an automobile. In some embodiments, the adapter may be coupled to an AC/DC inverter. In some embodiments, the adapter may be attached to a battery. The portable sink apparatus is thus substantially self-contained, with no need to accommodate an external or fixed supply of water or waste lines to provide running water into a reservoir for handwashing, dishwashing, drinking, or other cleaning activities that may be necessary away from a fixed plumbing system or body of water.

Other aspects, embodiments, and features of this disclosure will become apparent in the following written description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a portable sink apparatus described herein.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a portable sink apparatus described herein.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a portable sink apparatus described herein.

FIG. 4 is an embodiment of a front perspective view of the assembled portable sink apparatus depicted in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Several embodiments of Applicant's invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted, like elements will be identified by identical numbers throughout all figures. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

With references to FIGS. 1 and 2, a portable sink apparatus 2 comprises a container comprising a top portion 4 and a bottom portion 6. The container also comprises an interior portion encased by surrounding walls that can seal the interior from outside moisture or water. The container may be made of any material lightweight enough for portability and sturdy enough to carry the components of the apparatus 2. In certain embodiments, the container comprises a molded plastic material. In some embodiments, the container comprises a generally rectangular shape. However, other shapes may also fall within the scope of the present invention. In some embodiments, the top portion 4 is a lid that fits securely over the bottom portion 6. The container conveniently encases a tank 22, electric pump 30 and all wiring and tubing necessary for the system to provide running water into a reservoir on the top portion 4. When the top portion 4 covers the bottom portion 6, the top portion and walls of the bottom portion prevent water entry into the interior and enables the container to remain substantially free of moisture that can damage the electrical wiring.

The top portion 4 comprises an opening or hole that extends from a top face of the top portion 4 through its bottom face. The opening 8 comprises a shape corresponding to that of the reservoir insert of a receptacle such that at least a portion of a reservoir of the receptacle lies beneath the top portion and into the interior of the container when in a closed position. In some embodiments, the top portion 4 is hinged to the bottom portion 6 and may flip open when internal components of the system need to be accessed, the hinged top portion comprising the opening for the reservoir. Certain embodiments comprise a top portion 4 that locks in place onto the bottom portion 6. Embodiments in which the top portion 4 is completely removable from the bottom portion 6 are also possible, for access to the interior of the container when desirable. In some embodiments, the container comprises a handle on either the top or bottom portion of the container for easy transport. In some embodiments, the container comprises a handle 44 on either side to allow for easy transport. Embodiments comprising wheels on a bottom portion 6 of the container may also be within the scope of the present invention.

As perhaps best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the container comprises an opening 8 in the top portion 4 for receiving a basin for receiving water or receptacle 10. In certain embodiments, the receptacle 10 is removable from the opening in the top portion of the container. In some embodiments, the receptacle 10 comprises a rim that rests on the top portion 4 such that at least a portion of a reservoir of the receptacle 10 will fit through and is recessed within the opening 8. An under mounted receptacle 10 may also be possible in some embodiments so long as water remains within the reservoir and away from wiring components within the interior of the container. In some embodiments, the receptacle 10 may be integral or permanently affixed to the top portion 4. While the figures depict receptacle 10 as a general bowl shape, the receptacle 10 may comprise any material or shape for receiving water. In some embodiments, the receptacle 10 may comprise BPA-free materials to provide for potable water. The receptacle 10 may be large enough to wash hands, dishes, and food. A faucet is integrated into the top portion 4 of the container. The faucet 12 is adjacent to the receptacle 10, generally positioned such that an outlet end of the faucet will dispense water into the receptacle 10 during operation of the apparatus 2. In some embodiments, the faucet 12 is mounted to the top portion 4 of the container. In some embodiments, the container comprises a swiveling faucet 12. A switch 14 is also mounted adjacent to the faucet to operate the sink apparatus 2. It should be noted that while reference 14 depicts a lever or handle type switch device for making and breaking the circuit connection, a button, knob, or other control device may also be possible in some embodiments.

In certain embodiments, the reservoir of the receptacle 10 comprises a drainage hole 16 on a bottom side of the receptacle. In some embodiments, the drainage hole is comprised of a brass bulkhead fitting and a hose adapter. The bulkhead fitting may comprise rubber grommets on both the top and bottom of the drainage hole to ensure it is waterproof. In some embodiments, the sink apparatus 2 may also comprise a removable plug 42 for the drainage hole. A drain plug 42 fits into the bulkhead fitting and allows the user to fill the reservoir with water for soaking various items or creating a drinking water reservoir for pets. In some embodiments, the drainage hole comprises a drainage hose 18 removably attached to and extending from a bottom face of the drainage hole 16 to an outlet end that may be placed outside of the container to allow water to drain away from the interior when the apparatus is in use. In some embodiments, a hose adapter coupled to the drain is connected to the drainage hose 18 and allows the water to be sufficiently carried away from a user's feet and workspace. The drainage hose 18 may be of a sufficient length to send used water away from the container. In some embodiments, the container comprises a hole 20 through which the drainage hose 18 may be passed when the sink is ready for use and for storing the drainage hose within the container when the apparatus is not in use, or during transport. In some embodiments, the hole 20 comprises a grommet to allow for easier passage of the drainage hose 18 through a container wall and onto the ground or alternate storage for later disposal. When the sink apparatus 2 is ready to be moved, the user can feed the drainage hose 18 back through the grommet where it stores inside the tank.

The water source of the portable sink apparatus 2 is a storage tank 22 found within the interior of the container. Tank capacity is determined by the desired goal of portability. Generally, the internal storage tank 22 may comprise any amount of storage capacity. However, in certain embodiments, to ensure the sink apparatus remains portable and easily movable by one person, the storage tank 22 may hold an amount of liquid or water of no more than about 10 gallons. In some embodiments, the storage tank 22 holds an amount of up to about five gallons. In certain embodiments, the storage tank 22, when filled with a maximum amount of liquid or water, holds a weight of no more than about fifty pounds. In some embodiments, a full storage tank 22 comprises a weight of no more than approximately forty pounds.

In some embodiments, the tank 22 is removable for easy cleaning and refilling. More than one tank may also be possible if size and weight capacity permits. In some embodiments, the tank 22 is a compartment built or molded into the interior of the container. Plastic hose fittings allow the tubing to be removed from the storage tank for removal and refilling of the tank. The storage tank 22 comprises a threaded lid 26 which allows for a threaded pipe to run in and out of the tank. Inside the tank, a hose adapter is coupled to the threaded pipe that allows tubing 28 to draw the entire tank of water. The threaded pipe outside the container also has a hose adapter. The hose can be separated from the adapter by hand without tools so that the user can transport it for refilling while still having access to a lid to prevent spilling. In some embodiments, the storage tank 22 comprises a handle for ease of removing and refilling from a water source. The top of the storage tank 22 comprises a vent or relief valve 24 can be unscrewed for ventilation while pumping water to the sink. The valve 24 is closed tightly during transport and unscrewed once the sink is ready to be used. Ventilation increases water pressure and prevents the suction of the pump from misshaping the tank.

The sink apparatus 2 comprises a pump 30 in communication with the faucet 12 and the storage tank 22. The pump is further in communication with a power supply source external to the container, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the interior of the container comprises an adapter in communication with the pump and a switch on the faucet. As shown best in FIG. 2, tubing 46 runs from the storage tank 22 through an electric pump 30 and to the underside or base of the faucet 12 and switch 14. A suitable pump, for example, is a 12V diaphragm pump. In certain embodiments, the pump comprises a flow rate of about one gallon per minute and a pressure of about 35 psi. The pump 30 is wired to the base of the switch 14 in communication with the faucet 12 and may be attached to an inner wall of the interior. The positive lead from the pump 30 runs towards the faucet 12 and is attached to a toggle switch 14 on the underside of switch 14. The other lead of the faucet runs to the positive end of an adapter 38 and is protected by an inline fuse. The negative lead of the pump 30 runs directly to the negative lead on the adapter 38. Thus, the wiring creates a complete circuit controlled by the switch 14 and powered by the adapter 38. The unit is hardwired to a 12V DC power plug, in some embodiments. Thus, in some embodiments, the pump is in direct communication with a 12V DC adapter to receive DC power from a DC power source external to the container, such as, for example, a conventional 12 v DC cigarette lighter or socket of an automobile. In other embodiments, an AC/DC adapter may be used and the apparatus 2 can be powered by an alternating current power such as an AC outlet. In some embodiments, the container comprises a 12V diaphragm pump 30 in communication with a 12V adapter 38, the 12V adapter 38 comprising a power plug for connecting to a DC outlet 50. In some embodiments, the adapter may be coupled to an AC/DC inverter. In some embodiments, the adapter may be attached to a battery.

In certain embodiments, the container comprises an opening or hole for the adapter to pass externally out from the container to receive power from a power source. The power cord 38 runs through a hole 40 in the container in some embodiments. In certain embodiments, the hole for receiving the reservoir 10 on the top portion 4 allows the tubing and wiring to be completely contained inside the container as the base of the faucet covers the hole. When closed and during transport of the sink apparatus, no wiring or tubing is exposed to the outside of the container ensuring that it is both protected and out of sight. In some embodiments, the hole for the power cord comprises a grommet on the side of the bottom portion 6 of the container. When ready for transport, the cord can be pushed through the hole or grommet 40 and into the container for storage. When running water is desired, the user simply pulls the cord out through the hole 40 and plugs the adapter 38 into a power source 50.

In certain embodiments, the storage tank 22 stores potable water. In some embodiments, the internal storage tank, tubing, and all components used in the sink apparatus are BPA free allowing the water to be potable. The portable sink apparatus described herein may be lifted and carried by a single person and easily fits within a vehicle for transport to any number of outdoor activities. There is no need for external or fixed water supply sources or waste lines to make use of the portable sink's running water.

Various accessories can be added to the portable sink apparatus to provide further convenience to the apparatus. FIG. 3 depicts an exploded view of a cutting board insert 60. In any embodiment described herein, a cutting board insert 60 fits within the reservoir of the receptacle 10 in the opening of the top portion, as shown in FIG. 4. The cutting board insert 60 may comprise rubber feet, in some embodiments, such that it may rest easily on a surface of the top portion when the sink is in use. In some embodiments, the cutting board insert 60 may be comprised of wood. In some embodiments, the cutting board insert 60 may be comprised of wood, plastic, granite, marble or any combination thereof. However, lightweight materials provide for easier portability. Additional accessories that do not detract from the portability may also be added to the sink apparatus 2. In any embodiment described herein, the portable sink apparatus 2 may further comprise a soap dish, for example. The soap dish may be recessed into the top portion in any embodiment described herein. The soap dish may be adjacent to the sink, in some embodiments. In any embodiment described herein, the portable sink apparatus may further comprise a towel holder. The towel holder may be located on an external side of the container, for example, for easy hand drying after use.

Prior to filling the storage tank, or when the storage tank is empty, a portable sink apparatus described herein comprises a weight of less than about 10 pounds. Weight, when the storage tank is filled, is generally dictated by the amount of stored water within the tank 22 and the materials of and within the container. In certain embodiments, the portable sink apparatus comprises a weight of less than about 75 pounds with a full tank 22 of water. In certain embodiments, the portable sink apparatus comprises a weight of less than about 65 pounds with a full tank 22 of water. In certain embodiments, the portable sink apparatus comprises a weight of less than about 50 pounds with a full tank 22 of water. In certain embodiments, the portable sink apparatus comprises a weight of between about 40 to about 45 pounds with a full tank 22 of water. Embodiments less than 45 pounds are also possible but my limit the number of times the sink apparatus may be used to dispense a flow of water.

The portable water dispenser and sink embodiments described herein provides many advantages over the prior art. The water dispensing apparatus described herein provides for a self-contained water source for potable water. The portable sink is lightweight, even when filled with water for dispensing. It is easily lifted, carried, and moveable by a single individual and easy to access. It easily fits within a trunk or back seat of any vehicle, whether car or boat, for example. A user need only switch the apparatus to an on position to access a flow of running water at virtually any location with access to a power supply such as a direct current source of a vehicle. The portable sink apparatus described herein is free of all of: any leg, supporting base, caster, foot pump, hand pump, gravity feed pump, and external water source. In some embodiments, the water dispensing apparatus or sink 2 is free of an alternating current supply. It is sized for easy transport by a single person and may easily fit within any car trunk, back seat, or SUV cargo space to allow for easy access to a hand washing at any time. A user need only connect the apparatus to a power supply of a vehicle to quickly access a flow of water. By way of example, the sink apparatus 2 will easily fit within a car trunk comprising a size of 20 cubic feet or less. In some embodiments, the sink apparatus 2 comprises a size of less than about 5 cubic feet. In some embodiments, the sink apparatus 2 comprises a size of less than about 4 cubic feet. By way of example, in one embodiment, the sink apparatus 2 comprises an approximate dimension of 2.5 feet by 1.25 feet by 1.2 feet.

The apparatus described herein is useful in any number of situations and locations. In addition to cleaning purposes such as hand or dish rinsing or washing, when filled with water, the sink apparatus provides for drinking water. In some embodiments, the receptacle 10 is removable to allow for cleaning the bowl. In some embodiments, a swivel faucet pivots outside the apparatus (as best shown in FIG. 3) so that cups or other containers of various size, for example, may be filled. In certain embodiments, the portable sink apparatus 2 comprises a weight of less than about 50 pounds with a full tank 22 of water. Embodiments less than 45 pounds are also possible. Total weight of the sink apparatus is generally dictated by the amount of stored water and materials of the container.

The words and phrases used herein should be understood and interpreted to have a meaning consistent with the understanding of those words and phrases by those skilled in the relevant art. No special definition of a term or phrase, i.e., a definition that is different from the ordinary and customary meaning as understood by those skilled in the art, is intended to be implied by consistent usage of the term or phrase herein. To the extent that a term or phrase is intended to have a special meaning, i.e., a meaning other than that understood by skilled artisans, such a special definition is expressly set forth in the specification in a definitional manner that directly and unequivocally provides the special definition for the term or phrase. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to,” unless expressly specified otherwise. When used in the appended claims, in original and amended form, the term “comprising” is intended to be inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude any additional, unrecited element, method, step or material. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an”, and “the” are not limited to one of such elements, but instead mean “at least one,” unless otherwise specified. The term “about” as used herein refers to the precise values as subsequently indicated as well as to values that are within statistical variations or measuring inaccuracies.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable sink apparatus comprising: a container comprising a top portion, a bottom portion, and an interior, the top portion comprising an opening for a receptacle; a faucet with an outlet end for dispensing water into the receptacle; a storage tank within the interior of the container; and a pump in communication with the faucet and the storage tank.
 2. The portable sink apparatus of claim 1 wherein the pump is in communication with a power supply source external to the container.
 3. The portable sink apparatus of claim 1 wherein the interior of the container comprises an adapter in communication with the pump and a switch that communicates with the faucet, and wherein the container comprises a hole for the adapter to pass externally out from the container to receive power from a power source.
 4. The portable sink apparatus of claim 3 wherein the power source is at least one of: a direct current power source and an alternating current power source.
 5. The portable sink apparatus of claim 1 comprising a weight of no more than about 10 pounds prior to filling the storage tank.
 6. The portable sink apparatus of claim 1 comprising a size of less than about 5 cubic feet.
 7. The portable sink apparatus of claim 1 wherein the pump is attached to an inner wall of the interior of the container.
 8. The portable sink apparatus of claim 1 wherein the receptacle comprises a reservoir within the opening of the top portion.
 9. The portable sink apparatus of claim 8 wherein the reservoir comprises a drainage hole.
 10. The portable sink apparatus of claim 9 comprising a removable drain plug for the drainage hole.
 11. The portable sink apparatus of claim 9 wherein the drainage hole comprises a drainage hose removably attached to and extending from a bottom face of the drainage hole to an outlet end that may be placed outside of the container to allow water to drain away from the interior when the apparatus is in use.
 12. The portable sink apparatus of claim 1 wherein the receptacle is removable from the opening in the top portion of the container.
 13. The portable sink apparatus of claim 1 wherein the storage tank comprises a vent.
 14. The portable sink apparatus of claim 1 comprising a cutting board insert that fits within the receptacle in the opening of the top portion.
 15. The portable sink apparatus of claim 1 wherein the top portion is hinged to the bottom portion.
 16. The portable sink apparatus of claim 1 wherein the storage tank holds no more than about 10 gallons.
 17. The portable sink apparatus of claim 1 wherein the container comprises a handle.
 18. The portable sink apparatus of claim 1 comprising a soap dish recessed into the top portion.
 19. The portable sink apparatus of claim 1 comprising a towel holder on an external side of the container.
 20. The portable sink apparatus of claim 1 wherein the storage tank comprises potable water. 